Pioneer Gymnastics athletes succeed at Junior Olympic nationals

Members of the Pioneer Gymnastics competed at the National Junior Olympics. From left, Rachel Zeller, Demi Konstantakos and Molly Begin. Not pictured are Natalie Frechette and Caitlin Marino.The Republican | Dave Roback

EAST LONGMEADOW - The future looks bright concerning one local gymnastics talent pool.

Qualifying back in April to earn the right to compete at the Junior Olympic nationals, five members from Pioneer Gymnastics made the trek to Houston this summer to show the their talents on the national stage in late July and early August.

"It was a great competition. The girls worked hard all year and showcased their talents at this national competition. It was a great group of girls we took this year," Pioneer owner Danielle McKinnon said.

Making her first trip to nationals, Natalie Frechette, a level 7 gymnast from Longmeadow, placed second in the all-around with a score of 35.525. She also took second on beam with an 8.775 and third on vault with a 9.1.

Also a first time attendee, Molly Begin, a level 7 from Springfield, took second place on uneven bars with an 8.7.

"This being Molly's first trip to nationals, she didn't know what to expect from such a large meet, but she did very well mentally preparing herself. Molly has a bright future in the sport of gymnastics," McKinnon said.

Demi Konstantakos, a level 7 from Hampden, also made her first trip to nationals, and returned with a 9.0 on vault. McKinnon rates Konstantakos one of the most powerful vaulters in her age group. Rachel Zeller, of Longmeadow, placed as all-around winner in her age division with a 35.8. She took first place on beam with a 9.35 and another first on bars with an 8.85.

"Rachel had a very rewarding meet by winning her age division. This was a big accomplishment and she has shown that when you commit yourself to a goal you can do anything. All the hours of training paid off," McKinnon said.

Veteran Caitlin Marino, of East Longmeadow, did well on her third trip to nationals placing third on the vault with a 9.2. She is now attending the University of Rhode Island.

"These girls are very dedicated, making sacrifices as far as outside friends and social activities in order to practice five to six days a week. The hard work and dedication is worth it when they get to travel and compete in a national competition like the Junior Olympics," McKinnon said.

In addition to McKinnon, Pat McFarlin also coaches this fine cast of gymnasts.